Brookings County Sheriff Investigates Motorcycle Crash, Field Fire and Diesel Theft
Northeast Radio SD News – Brookings County, SD - The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office is investigating three separate incidents reported over the weekend, including an injury motorcycle crash, a small field fire, and the theft of diesel fuel from farm equipment.
Motorcycle Injury Crash – Oct. 9
Deputies and first responders were called at 6:35 p.m. Friday to 197th Street near 486th Avenue for a single‑motorcycle crash. According to the Sheriff’s Office, 53‑year‑old Allen Moravetz of Hendricks, Minnesota, lost control of his 2019 Indian FTR motorcycle while riding with another motorcyclist and was found injured in the roadway. Moravetz was transported by Hendricks Ambulance to Hendricks Hospital for unknown injuries. Damage to the motorcycle is estimated at $2,500. Charges for driving without a motorcycle license are pending. The crash remains under investigation.
Bean Field Fire – Oct. 10
The Estelline Fire Department responded Saturday afternoon to a soybean field on 471st Avenue near 197th Street after stover caught fire shortly after harvest. Fire crews quickly extinguished the blaze, and no monetary loss was reported.
Diesel Theft from Tractor – Oct. 11
Deputies also took a report Sunday morning of diesel fuel siphoned from a tractor parked overnight in a field on 463rd Avenue near 199th Street. The owner told investigators the tractor had been filled the night before, but a low‑fuel alarm sounded the next morning. Approximately 120 gallons of diesel are believed to have been taken. The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging farmers to secure equipment and fuel tanks when left in fields overnight and to notify dispatch of equipment locations so deputies can include them in patrol routes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office at 605‑696‑8300 or Brookings Area Crimestoppers at 605‑692‑STOP.
